sunday survey: can anyone come close?

Crown her queen. For a set and a half yesterday, Serena Williams absolutely dominated Victoria Azarenka on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Serena had match points at both 6-1, 5-3 and 5-4, coming within a point of absolutely drubbing the world’s 4th-ranked player. But Vika saved four match points and drew the second set into a tiebreaker. And while the Belarussian couldn’t quite nab a set (or the match) from Serena, she made somewhat of a case for the rest of the remaining US Open field.

But who — really — can give Serena a true challenge in the final four rounds of the Open? Among Ana Ivanovic, Francesca Schiavone and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (her fourth round and potential quarterfinal match-ups, respectively), the three women hold a 2-7 (and 4-14 in sets) record against Serena in nine matches. So, who has the best shot? Tell us who you think below.

One Response to “sunday survey: can anyone come close?”

Good poll here. I picked Fran only because I hope she and Serena meet in the quarters and I’d like to see Serena deal with Frankie’s spins and variety after so many girls try to just outhit Serena which unless you are Vika is a waste of time. Serena could still sweep Fran, but it would be an interesting match.

As far as who could meet Serena in the final, think it might be Stosur or Lisicki.